PESHAWAR – The Kohistan corruption scandal entered a decisive phase as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) stepped up its probe into the 40bn rupees financial fraud.
NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) filed multiple applications in the accountability court in Peshawar. The bureau asked the court to freeze assets of six key suspects.
According to NAB Prosecutor Habibullah Baig, the suspects hold 48 bank accounts in Islamabad, Abbottabad, and Mansehra. Moreover, they own 29 properties in Islamabad alone.
Read More: Upper Kohistan 36bn Scam: NAB Recovers Over 20bn In Early Probe
Court Consolidates Petitions
Judge Rajab Ali consolidated all petitions to streamline the legal process. He also fixed a crucial hearing for 22 May. The court will decide whether to freeze the assets under Section 12 of the NAB Ordinance. The Director General of NAB-KP had directed the legal team to file these petitions.
The Kohistan scandal involves a 36bn rupees scam. Investigators exposed a massive web of illegal wealth. NAB, for instance, traced four commercial plazas in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. In addition, the bureau found a plot in Sector F-11 worth 4.5bn rupees, three luxury farmhouses, and more than 60 high-end vehicles. It also recovered nearly 2bn rupees in cash.
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NAB Reports Major Recoveries
Meanwhile, NAB KP recovered over 20bn rupees during the early stage of its investigation. Sources from the Public Accounts Committee confirmed the figures. NAB teams recovered 650mn rupees from a Communication and Works department official’s house. Furthermore, they seized 400mn rupees from the owner of a private construction firm.
These recoveries reflect NAB’s aggressive effort to reclaim stolen public funds. As a result, the bureau has earned public praise. The Director General of NAB KP continues to lead efforts to trace and secure assets linked to the scandal.
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Lawmakers Monitor Progress
On 13 May, Speaker Babar Saleem chaired a review meeting of the Public Accounts Committee. He appreciated NAB’s swift response. However, he clarified that no political figure faces allegations in the case. Therefore, the investigation remains focused on government departments and private firms.
The court will announce its decision on 22 May. That ruling could mark a major breakthrough in the Kohistan corruption scandal.
